Oh Canada!!
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Forty Years True Blue - A Few Moments from a Memorable Night
Some evenings are memorable for the program. Others for the people. And sometimes, if you're lucky, you get both.
The JCOBA Canada 40th Anniversary Gala was one of those nights.
It started with one of those moments that makes you pause and feel the weight of time. I caught up with several of my Class of '78 (C78) brethren now living in Canada, men I had not laid eyes on in 46 years. Let that sink in for a moment. Forty-six years. 😄
But here's the funny thing about reconnecting with old friends: the years simply melt away. Within minutes we were talking like it was yesterday, never mind that some of us are now grandfathers. Well, they are grandfathers. I'm a Pop-Pop, as my grandchildren have christened me.
Moments like that remind you what the Old Boys network is really about. Time passes, countries and continents separate us, but the bond forged at 189 Old Hope Road has a way of picking up exactly where it left off.
And what a setting for the reunion.
This was a milestone event done right. The program moved with purpose, tight, well-paced, and mercifully free of prolix speeches. The food was excellent, the music kept the room alive, and the vibes were unmistakably good. More than 600 people turned out, and many reveled well into the early hours of Sunday morning. By any measure, it was one of the best Diaspora events I’ve attended, and I’ve attended quite a few.
Support came from across the JC family. The Presidents of JCOBA–Florida, Ian Bryan, and JCOBA–New York, Dwight Geddes, were both in the building lending their presence and encouragement. Members of Class of ’78—Balfour, Courtney, Douglas, Gordon, Wayne, and myself, represented proudly as well, alongside class groups stretching from the 1950s right through the aughts. It was a powerful reminder that the JC brotherhood, no matter the decade, still shows up strong when it matters. One College.
Of course, every great event has its memorable side moments.
At one point, the gentleman assigned to bless the meal launched into what can only be described as a mini revival meeting. He was gliding across the stage, microphone on full hallelujah blast, and for a brief moment I genuinely wondered if the gala was about to transmogrify into the Rapture right there in the ballroom. Truth be told, when he finally wrapped up, I was quietly relieved. But it was entertaining and it added a little extra flavor to the evening.
Then there was the lady on the dance floor, moving entirely to her own rhythm. Delightfully off-beat, completely unbothered, and clearly having the absolute time of her life. You know the saying, dance like nobody’s watching. Well, plenty of people were watching, but she must have missed that memo. She was in her own little universe out there, fully locked into the music and loving every minute of it. And honestly, good for her. While a few folks lingered on the sidelines offering quiet critiques of the choreography, she was doing the far better thing, simply enjoying the moment. And really, that’s exactly what nights like this are for.
Speaking of the dance floor, TDOT showed up ready to move and move they did. DJ Juiceman kept the energy high, spinning hit after hit and making sure the revelers had every reason to stay right where they were. The floor stayed full, the music stayed hot, and the celebration rolled on well into the morning.
I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention our Principal, Wayne Robinson, Class of ’78, who stepped up to the microphone and delivered a thoughtful update on the state of the school, almost within his allotted five minutes. In that brief window he managed to share the progress, the joys, the triumphs, and even the challenges that come with guiding an institution like Jamaica College. He also took a moment to express sincere gratitude to JCOBA Canada for the significant work they continue to do in support of the school. It was a reminder of both the responsibility and the pride that comes with the role and how much the global JC family contributes to the mission. Well done, Mr. Principal. Nuff blessings. You are truly doing God’s work.
Now here's something worth noting. This was not just a JCOBA-Canada signature event; it was a Jamaican high school reunion. The Canadian alumni community came out in full force, and the full spectrum of school colors was in the house. The purples, the lighter shades of blue, the maroon and gold, the yellows, all represented. And that tells a story, because roughly half of the support for JCOBA across the Diaspora is non-organic.
At my table, I found myself seated beside a “Rabalac” Old Boy. For the uninitiated, that is Calabar spelled backwards. His company happened to be one of the event sponsors. From the moment the program got underway, you could see he was genuinely impressed. As the evening unfolded, he leaned over at one point and said, “This is a fantastic event. Very impressive, JC.” He went on to say that JCOBA Canada would always have his support and that he was already looking forward to being back next year.
As these things often happen in rooms like that, our conversation soon revealed a few mutual connections, the kind that suddenly makes the world feel much smaller. By the end of the night he had firmly earned a spot in my rolodex. That is the real magic of a well-run event. New bridges get built while the old ones grow even stronger.
All of it, the laughter, the reunions, the speeches, the dancing, and the prayer that briefly threatened to summon the heavens, came together to celebrate something genuinely meaningful.
Forty years. Four decades of loyalty, service, brotherhood, and steadfast True Blue commitment.
JCOBA Canada holds a special place in the Jamaica College story worldwide. They were the trailblazers, the first Diaspora chapter, proving that distance could never weaken devotion to the school on Old Hope Road. Because of their example, chapters like New York and Florida followed the path, and with a little luck and the same JC spirit, perhaps London and Atlanta will soon join the family as well.
The impact of JCOBA-CA reaches far beyond banquets and reunions. Through scholarships, equipment, mentorship, advocacy, and community support, they have strengthened the bond between generations of Old Boys and the institution we all cherish.
Simply put, the value of what they've built cannot be measured. It lives in opportunity, in legacy, and in the enduring strength of the True Blue brotherhood.
And having had a little peek behind the curtain, I know how much went into making this celebration happen. So big respect to the magicians who pulled it off.
To Charles, Mark, Rohan, Donovan and the entire executive team of JCOBA Canada, take a bow. You delivered a first-class event worthy of a first-class chapter.
Early March 2026, Woodbine Banquet & Convention Hall. Oh Canada, what a night! If I may say so myself, JCOBA-Canada took the gold medal for this Championship of an event.
A 21-gun salute to your past, your present, and the many chapters still to be written.
Well done, gentlemen.
Fervet Opus in Campis.
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Written by Lowell Campbell
Lowell Campbell, Class of ’78, is a founding member and Advisory Board Chairman of the Jamaica College Old Boys Association of New York. He currently serves as a Trustee of Jamaica College and as a Director on the Jamaica College Board of Management.
About JCOBA-NY:
Founded 36 years ago, the Jamaica College Old Boys Association of New York fosters a strong network of Old Boys dedicated to supporting each other and giving back to Jamaica and Jamaica College. Through events, mentorship, and various initiatives, JCOBA-NY continues to strengthen bonds and uphold the legacy of excellence.
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